Dynamics of R&D expenditure in Europe during the last two decades

Research and Development represents the priority for the smart growth of Europe 2020 Strategy. Performances in education, research and innovation are important for building the digital society. The paper presents the dynamics recorded during the last two decades. There are compared the changes in the countries’ position using a certain type of chart built for the statistic indicators: R&D expenditure as percentage in GDP and the R&D development potential. The conclusions are based on the analysis of these indicators for the European countries in the period preceding the beginning of the economic crisis.